Package means



R- M. WATTS PACKAGE MEANS Dec. 2, 1969 4 Sheets-Sheet. 1

Filed Aug. 2, 1967 FIG.2

HIS ATTORNEYS Dec. 2, 1969 R. M. WATTS 3,481,456

PACKAGE MEANS Filed Aug. 2, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

' INVENTOR RICHARD M. WATTS HIS ATTORNEYS Dec. 2, 1969 R. M. WATTS 3,481,456

PACKAGE MEANS Filed Aug. 2, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR RICHARD M. WATTS HIS ATTORNEYS Dec. 2, 1969 R. M. WATTS 3, 8

PACKAGE MEANS Filed Aug. 2, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 M FIGJO 85-l f a m FIG.I3

1 FIGQI'4 INVENTOR RICHARD M. WATTS 30 BY QW WF HIS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,481,456 PACKAGE MEANS Richard M. Watts, Henrico County, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 2, 1967, Ser. No. 657,889 Int. Cl. B65h 55/00, 75/02; B65d 85/67 US. Cl. 206-50 35 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Background of the invention Many products including cloth materials such as blankets, sheets, or the like, are generally stored and displayed in a retail establishment on counters or tables which are readily accessible to a customer. However, such blankets, for example, often become soiled, and/or damaged because of the manner in which they are presently exposed for inspection; :further, such blankets are usually folded in a number of layers and stacked on such counters or tables thus requiring a large amount of space which is very undesirable. Accordingly, it is desirable to have package means particularly adapted to be used in packaging a cloth material which enables efficient display of such material for inspection by a customer while protecting the cloth material and yet occupying a minimum amount of storage and display space.

Summary This invention provides an improved package means for material means such as a cloth material, for example, which utilizes an I-beam shaped support having a central web means about which the cloth material is wrapped and which has a protective overwrapping made of a thin transparent plastic material which enables a customer to inspect the material quickly and efficiently and without likelihood of damaging or soiling the particular cloth material. This invention also provides improved I-beam shaped support means for material means and improved blanks for making such I-beam shaped support means.

Other details, uses, and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the :following description of the embodiments thereof presented in the accompanying drawings proceeds.

Brief description of the drawings The accompanying drawings show present preferred embodiments of this invention, in which FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a shelf displaying a plurality of identical Packages of cloth material made in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a blank used to make an I-beam shaped support comprising each of the packages illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view illustrating the manner of folding or erecting the blank of FIGURE 2 to define an I-beam shaped support;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a completely erected I-beam shaped support made from the blank of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view illustrating a cloth material such as a blanket wrapped in position around the central web means of the I-beam shaped support of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a view on the line 66 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating several steps of one exemplary technique used to overwrap the blanket and I-beam shaped support as shown in FIGURE 5 with a sheet of heat-shrinkable transparent plastic material which is provided in roll form, then sealing along the outer side edges thereof, and then passing the overwrapped package construction through a heated environment to heat shrink the plastic material therearound;

-' FIGURE 8 is a perspective view illustrating the completed package construction after heat shrinking the plastic material therearound as shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view illustrating a modification of the completed package construction of FIGURE 8 which utilizes integral extension means shown as an extension flap extending from the front edge of the top flange means comprising its I-beam shaped support wherein such extension flap extends vertically downwardly along the front of the package construction to enable ready identification of its contents;

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a blank used to make another embodiment of an I-beam shaped support comprising another embodiment of a package means of this invention;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of an I-beam shaped support made using the blank of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of package means of this invention which is similar to the package means of FIGURE 8 and which uses the I-beam shaped support of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a plan view of a blank used to make another embodiment of an I-beam shaped support comprising another embodiment of package means of this invention;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of an I-beam shaped support made using the blank of FIGURE 13; and

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of package means of this invention which is similar to the package means of FIGURE 8 and which uses the embodiment of I-beam shaped support illustrated in FIGURE 14.

Description of illustrated embodiments In the exemplary embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 8 of the drawings improved package means designated generally by the numeral 20 is shown. FIGURE 1 shows a plurality of identical package means or packages 20 arranged on a storage and display shelf 21 which is suitably fastened in position on adjoining supporting structure to highlight the manner in which the packages 20 may be efiiciently arranged and attractively displayed in a booklike manner on shelf 21 to thereby conserve space.

Each package 20 is comprised of an I-beam shaped support means such as a paperboard support designated generally by the numeral 24 and shown in perspective View in FIGURE 4 of the drawings. Each I-beam shaped support 24 has central web means shown as a central web 25 and integral bottom and top flange means designated generally by the numerals 26 and 27 foldably fastened to opposite ends of central web 25. The bottom and top flanges 26 and 27 are each suitably folded in position and each extends substantially perpendicular to the central web 25 in a unique manner and as will be subsequently described.

Material means such as a cloth material, shown in this example of the invention as a blanket 30, is wrapped around central web 25 and provides support for blanket 30 which prevents the blanket from crushing or sagging in the middle portion thereof. The blanket 30 is wrapped in position about I-beam shaped support 24 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 5 and the entire assembly comprised of I-beam support 24 and blanket 30 is then suitably overwrapped with a protective overwrapping means shown as a thin transparent heat-shrinkable plastic overwrapping designated by the numeral 31 to form package means which defines one exemplary package means of this invention. For ease of description and later reference thereto the partially completed package means or construction will be given a general reference numeral 32.

The transparent plastic overwrapping material 31 may be wrapped around the package assembly or construction 32 of FIGURE 5 in any suitable manner; however, one exemplary technique for overwrapping such package construction is illustrated in FIGURE 7 of the drawings wherein the plastic material 31 is provided in a suitable supply roll thereof designated generally by the numeral at 33 and suitably supported for unwinding rotation. The plastic material 31 is wound on roll 33 as a double thickness elongated plastic sheet which is also designated by the numeral 31 for convenience. The elongated plastic sheet 31 is foldably fastened along one side edge designated by the numeral 34 and has an opposite end means which may be spread apart as shown at 35.

As seen in FIGURE 7, each package construction 32 similar to the package construction of FIGURE 5 is suitably overwrapped by first inserting it in position within an elongated section of plastic sheet 31 by insertion through open end means 35. Heat sealing means shown as a heat sealing unit 36 is provided and used to heat seal the heatsealable plastic sheet 31 around the three open edge means of the package construction. FIGURE 7 illustrates the manner in which the heat sealing unit 36 is used to seal along one open end means of the package construction 32 as shown at 37 and it will be appreciated that the heat sealing action is continued, using unit 36, about the three open ends of the package construction and the resulting package is served away from elongated plastic sheet means 31 to define the completely sealed construction shown at 38.

The package construction 38 is then moved in a known manner into a suitable heated environment such as a heated oven 39 which causes the heat shrinkable plastic 31 to shrink tightly around the I-beam support 24 and blanket 30 to define the completed package means or construction 20. The plastic film 31 holds the blanket tightly against the central web to form a comparatively rigid package; yet, the character of the plastic film which may be a thin transparent polyvinylchloride, or the like, is such that a customer may readily visually inspect and manually feel blanket to get an indication of its softness without exposing or soiling such blanket.

The I-beam shaped support 24 comprising package construction 20 is comprised of first and second planar body sections designated respectively by the numerals 40 and 41 and illustrated more particularly in FIGURES 2-4 of the drawings. FIGURE 2 of the drawings shows the blank used to make the I-beam support and such blank is designated generally by the numeral 24A. Also for convenience and concise presentation the present description will proceed making reference to the blank 24A shown in FIG- URE 2 and to the resulting I-beam support 24 made therefrom in a simultaneous manner. Also, corresponding parts of the blank and of the support will be given identical reference numerals.

The planar body sections 40 and 41 are foldably fastened together along a score means 42 which defines a vertical side edge also designated by the numeral 42 of the central web 25. Thus, the central web 25 has a double thickness substantially throughout its total area which provides added strength and rigidity for support 24.

Body section 40 has score means designated by the numeral 43 arranged in aligned spaced apart relation defining its bottom end edge means and has similar score means 44 defining its top end edge means. Similarly, body section 41 has score means 45 arranged in aligned spaced apart relation defining its bottom end edge means and has similar score means 46 defining its top end edge means.

Body section 40 has flap means shown as an extension flap 50 extending outwardly of its score means 43 and an extension flap 51 extending outwardly of its score means 44. In a corresponding manner body section 41 has flap means shown as extension flap 52 extending outwardly of its score means 45 while flap means shown as an extension flap 53 extends outwardly of its score means 46.

The body sections 40 and 41 are adapted to be folded together so that they lie substantially in a common plane and cooperate to define the central web 25 of I-beam shaped support 24. The extension flaps 50 and 52 extending from associated end edge means 43 and 45 are adapted to be arranged substantially in a common plane defining bottom flange 26 of support 24. Similarly, the extension flaps 51 and 53 are adapted to be arranged substantially in a common plane to define top flange 27. Integral fastening means is provided in each body section 40 and 41 for fastening together the body sections 40 and 41 and thereby holding the entire I-beam shaped support 24 assembled together in *a manner as will be presently described.

The integral fastening means for fastening and interlocking body portions 40 and 41 together adjacent top flange 27 of support 24 comprise fastening tab means shown as first fastening tab means 55 provided in body section 40 adjoining its top edge means or score means 44 and cooperating slit means shown as first cooperating U-shaped slit means or cut 56 provided in body section 41 adjoining its top edge means or score means 46. Fastening tab means are also provided adjacent the bottom flange 26 of the I-beam support 24 and comprise second fastening tab means shown as a second fastening tab 60 provided in body section 41 adjoining its bottom edge means or score means 45 while second cooperating slit means shown as a cooperating U-shaped slit means or cut 61 is provided in body section 40 adjoining its "bottom edge means or score means 43.

Each body section 40 and 41 is also preferably provided with another set of fastening means to assure even greater structural rigidity. Thus, body section 40 has another fastening tab 55A, which is similar to fastening tab 55, provided adjoining score means 43; and, a U- shaped slit means or cut 61A, which is similar to cut 61, is provided adjoining score means 44. In a similar manner body portion 41 has another fastening tab 60A, which is similar to fastening tab 60, provided adjoining score means 46; and, a U-shaped slit means or cut 56A, similar to cut 56, provided adjoining score means 45.

Thus, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 4 of the drawings upon folding the body sections 40 and 41 together and folding flanges 50-53 substantially perpendicular to their associated score means fastening tabs 55 and 60 are inserted through their cooperating associated slit means 56 and 61 respectively while fastening tabs 55A and 60A are inserted through their cooperating slit means 56A and 61A respectively. The fastening tabs 55, 55A, 60, and 60A upon being inserted through their associated slit means extend substantially coplanar with an as- ,sociated adjoining flange means to help hold the associated flange means substantially perpendicular to the central web 25 as well as provide an integral interlock or fastening means for the I-beam shaped support 24.

Each fastening tab 55, 55A, 60, and 60A is preferably formed by substantially U-sh-aped cut means and in this example of the invention fastening tabs 55, 55A, 60, and 60A are formed respectively by substantially identical cut means or cuts each designated by the same numeral 63. Similarly, as previously described, each slit means S 56, 56A, 61, and 61A is also preferably defined as a substantially U-shaped cut.

Although each slit means 56, 56A, 61, and 61A may, in some applications, be defined by substantially elongated rectilinear slits or other suitable opening means each is preferably formed as a U-shaped cut means or cut to provide an area within the confines of each associated U-shaped out which may be used to provide added rigidity for an associated flange means in the manner as will be presently described.

The I-beam shaped support 24 is formed from the blank 24A, see FIGURE 2, as previously mentioned and blank 24A is of simple and economical construction (preferably made of paperboard, or the like) and is substantially rectangular in outline as illustrated. The blank 24A is folded in the manner illustrated in FIG- URE 3 so that body portions 40 and 41 are folded together and each flap 50, 51, 52, and 53 is folded so that it extends in one direction outwardly from the central web 25 of the resulting support 24 thus defined. Upon folding each flap 50-53 outwardly about its score means it will be seen that each flap 50-53 defines a part of a flange means for the associated end of the I-beam shaped support 24. In each instance upon folding a given flap in one direction outwardly an area adjoining such given flap and bounded by an associated U-shaped cut extends coplanar therewith and in a direction opposite the one direction and lies against an associated flap means extending from the other body portion to provide added rigidity therefor.

In particular, it will be seen that as flap 50 is folded outwardly in one direction the areas bounded by its associated U-shaped cut means or cuts 63 and 61 extend in an opposite direction coplanar therewith and lie against flap '52 extending from body portion 41. Similarly, upon folding flap 52 outwardly, the areas bounded by its associated cut means or cuts 63 and 56A extend in an opposite direction coplanar therewith and lie against flap 50.

At the opposite end or top end of the U-shaped support 24 it will be seen that upon folding flap 51 in one direction outwardly from central web 25 the areas bounded by associated U-shaped cuts 63 and 61A extend in an opposite direction and lie against flap 53. Similarly, upon folding flap 53 in one direction outwardly the areas bounded by associated cuts 63 and 56 extend in an opposite direction and lie against flap 51.

In this manner it will be seen that the fastening tabs 55, 55A, 60, and 60A firmly provide integral fastening means for fastening the I-beam shaped support 24 together upon being inserted in their associated slit means. In addition, the areas defining the various integral tabs and within the confines of the associated U-shaped cut means cooperate to assure that the bottom and top flanges 26 and 27 respectively of the I-beam support 24 are provided with optimum structural rigidity while being kept substantially perpendicular to the central web 25.

Thus, it is seen that support 24 has optimum strength and is particularly adapted to have blanket 30 wrapped around its central web 25 in the manner previously described. Further, upon overwrapping the transparent sheet of plasstic material 31 around the resulting construction 32 and heat shrinking the plastic material in position it will be seen that the package construction 20 thus defined is compact and enables the blanket 30 to be displayed and stored on one end of the I-beam shaped support so that it is protected at all times and so that it occupies a minimum amount of space.

A modification of the package means 20 and in particular of its I-beam shaped support 24 is illustrated in FIGURE 9 of the drawings. The I beam shaped sup port of FIGURE 9 has integral extension flap means comprising its flange means and providing identification means such as identification, pricing, advertising, or the like. Because the package of FIGURE 9 is identical to package 20 except for such extension flap means it also will be designated by the reference numeral 20 and it also is made up of all the previously described component parts, which will not be described again. Only the added component comprising extension flap means or extension flap 75 will be described in detail and shown by dotted lines in FIGURE 9. Extension flap 75 is hingedly connected to one of the flange means, shown in this example of the invention as to top flange 27, about hinge means shown as a score line 76.

The extension flap 75 may be readily hinged in a counterclockwise manner as viewed in FIGURE 9 about its score line 76 so that it is arranged above flange 27 to enable wrapping blanket 30 in position about central web 25. Once blanket 30 is suitably wrapped in position around web 25, the extension flap 75 is then folded downwardly to the position illustrated in FIGURE 9 and the transparent plastic material 31 is then overwrapped therearound. Thus, it is seen that in arranging package 20, with integral extension flap 75 in position, in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 1 any identification provided on the package is readily visible 'by an interested party.

Another exemplary embodiment of the improved package means of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 12 of the drawings and designated generally by the numeral 80. Package construction 80 also has an I-beam shaped central support designated generally by the numeral 81, see FIGURE 11, which is preferably made from the blank (made of paperboard, or the like) designated by the numeral 82 in FIGURE 10.

The I-beam support 81 in this example of the invention is also used to support a cloth material such as a blanket also designated by the numeral 30 as in the previously described package construction 20. Package construction 80 also has suitable overwrapping means comprised of transparent heat-shrinkable plastic material 31 which is wrapped around blanket 30 and support 81 in the manner previously described for package construction 20 and illustrated and described in connection with FIGURE 7. Therefore, reference may be made to FIG- URE 7 for a detailed presentation of such overwrapping procedure.

The detailed description of a package construction 80 will now proceed making reference to structure 81 and blank 82 used to make structure 81 in a concurrent manner. Blank 82 has a main body 83 which defines central web means also designated by the numeral 83 in the resulting erected or assembled I-beam shaped support 81 made from blank 82.

Score means is provided adjacent each end of the blank 82 and such score means comprises score means 85 adjacent one end means of blank 82 and score means 86 adjacent the opposite end means. Each score means 85 and 86 is provided in two sections arranged substantially along a rectilinear path and arranged end-to-end in spaced apart relation.

Cut means is also provided, shown as a U-shaped cut 90 cooperating with score means 85 and a U-shaped cut 91 cooperating with score means 86. The score means 85 and cut means 90 define bottom flange means shown as a bottom flange 92 for support 81, while the score means 86 and cut means 91 define top flange means 93 for such support. The flanges 92 and 93 are adapted to be folded about their associated cut and score means so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the central web 83 of the I-beam shaped support 81.

Blank 82, and hence support 81, also has extension means extending from one of its flange means and in this example of the invention an extension flap 95 is provided extending from the top flange 93. Hinge means shown in this example as a transverse score line 96 defines a terminal edge of the flange 93 with the extension flap 95 extending outwardly thereof. As seen in FIG- URES 11 and 12 of the drawings, extension means or 7 flap 95 is adapted to be folded about the hinge line 96 substantially transverse to and inwardly (toward the center of package 80) of its associated top flange 93 and is used to provide identification means such as advertising, pricing information, maintenance instructions, etc. for the blanket comprising package construction 80.

In this example of the invention only one end extension flap 95 is provided extending from top flange 93. However, it will be appreciated that an extension flap similar to 95 may be provided from opposite ends of one or both flanges 92 and 93, as desired. The extension flap 95 in this example of the invention is preferably of rectangular outline; however, such extension flap may be of any suitable outline.

The hinge means or score line 96 is also arranged so that it extends substantially perpendicular to its associated score means 86. Thus, in the resulting support 81 and in the package construction 80 it will be seen that the extension means extends substantially perpendicular to the central web 83 and along the front end thereof to enable easy viewing of any information that may be placed thereon. Package 80 thus provides a package construction which is particularly adapted to be displayed in the manner presented in FIGURE 1 of the drawings for package construction 20.

Another exemplary embodiment of a package means or construction of this invention is illustrated in FIG- URES 13-15 of the drawings. The package construction of FIGURES l315 is similar to the package construction of FIGURES l12; therefore, such package construction will be designated generally (in FIGURE 15) by the numeral 80A and parts of package construction 80A which are identical to corresponding parts of package construction 80 will be designated by the same numeral as in package construction 80 also followed by the letter designation A and not described again. Only those component parts which are different from corresponding parts of package construction 80 will be designated by a new numeral also followed by the letter designation A and described in detail. The main difference between the package construction 80A and package construction 80 is that the blank 82A, and hence structure 81A, of package construction 80A has a pair of extension flap means or extensions extending from its opposite ends and does not have an extension flap similar to extension flap 95.

The above mentioned pair of extension means or extension flaps comprise extension flaps 100A and 101A extending respectively from its bottom flange 92A and top flange 93A. The extension flaps 100A and 101A extend outwardly of associated hinge means defined by score lines 102A and 103A respectively and hence extend outwardly beyond their respective adjoining flange means 92A and 93A. It will be seen that the score lines 102A and 103A are arranged parallel to their associated score means 85A and 86A respectively. The score means 102A and 103A enable extension flaps 100A and 101A respectively to be folded so that they extend substantially parallel to the central web 83A of the package construction 80A.

The extension flaps 100A and 101A are folded inwardly of their respective flanges 92A and 93A and toward the center of package 80A to provide comparatively large surface areas for placing any desired information thereon. Also, in some applications of this invention it may be desired to provide suitably treated outside surface means on flaps 100A and 101A which is easily marked with a writing instrument, or the like. Further, in both packages 80 and 80A the extension flap means 95 and 100A-101A respectively may have information applied thereon as by a separate tag or label suitably fastened thereto.

Although package 80A is shown as having two extension flaps 100A and 101A provided extending from flanges 92A and 93A respectively so as to extend parallel to central web 83A of I-beam shaped structure 81A; nevertheless, it will be appreciated that only one extension flap similar to flaps 100A and 101A may be provided extending from only one flange or a plurality of such extension flaps may be provided and arranged to extend along both sides of the package construction A in any desired manner.

Terms such as end, top, bottom, sides, inwardly, outwardly, and the like have been used in this disclosure for ease of description and to correspond to the arrangement of component parts as shown in the drawings and such terms should not be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

Thus, it is seen that improved package means has been provided by this invention.

Further, it is seen that an improved supporting structure has been provided by this invention having the general shape of an I-beam and particularly adapted to be used to define package means for cloth material.

This invention also provides improved blanks for making such an I-beam shaped supporting structure, or the like.

What is claimed is:

1. Package means comprising, an I-beam shaped support having central web means, material means wrapped around said central web means and supported by said support, and protective overwrapping means overwrapping said support and material means, said material means being efliciently stored and displayed while being supported in a stable manner on one end of said I-beam shaped support.

2. Package means comprising, an I-beam shaped support having central web means, a cloth material wrapped around said central web means and supported by said support, and a protective transparent plastic overwrapping material overwrapping said support and cloth material, said cloth material being efliciently stored and displayed while being supported in a stable manner on one end of said I-beam shaped support.

3. Package means as set forth in claim 2 in which said transparent plastic overwrapping material comprises a heat-shrinkable plastic material which is overwrapped in position and then sealed and shrunk to provide a compact package construction, said plastic material being sufficiently thin to enable easy feeling of said cloth material therethrough.

4. Package means as set forth in claim 2 in which said support comprises, integral top and bottom flange means foldably fastened to said web means and extending substantially perpendicular to said web means, score means defining each end edge means of said Web means enabling easy folding of an adjoining flange means thereabout, extension means extending from said flange means, and hinge means defining terminal edge means of said flange means with said extension means extending outwardly thereof, said extension means being adapted to be folded about said hinge means and substantially transverse to and inwardly of its associated flange means to provide identification means for said cloth material which is wrapped around said web means within the confines of said flange means.

5. Package means as set forth in claim 4 in which said extension means comprises a plurality of extension means each extending from an associated flange means and said hinge means comprises a corresponding plurality of hinge means each having an associated extension means extending outwardly thereof.

6. Package means as set forth in claim 4 in which said hinge means is arranged substantially parallel to said web means so that said extension means is adapted to extend parallel to said web means.

7. Package means as set forth in claim 4 in which said hinge means is arranged substantially perpendicular to said web means so that said extension means is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular to said Web means.

8. Package means as set forth in claim 2 in which said support comprises, first and second planar body sections foldably fastened together along one vertical side edge to define said web means, flap means extending from opposite end edge means of each of said body sections, said flap means extending from associated end edge means of said body sections being arranged substantially in a common plane to define a corresponding flange means for said support which extends substantially perpendicular to said web means, and integral fastening means in each body section arranged adjacent its end edge means and fastening said support together.

9. Package means as set forth in claim 8 in which said integral fastening means comprises fastening tab means adjacent end edge means of said first body section and cooperating slit means adjacent end edge means of said second body section, said tab means being fastened in position in said slit means so as to extend substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said web means as well as hold said support together.

10. Package means as set forth in claim 8 in which said integral fastening means comprises, a first fastening tab provided in said first body section adjoining its top end edge means, first cooperating slit means provided in said second body section adjoining its top end edge means, a second fastening tab provided in said second body section adjoining its bottom and edge means, and second cooperating slit means provided in said first body section adjacent its bottom end edge means, said first and second fastening tabs being inserted through said first and second slit means respectively while extending substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said web means as well as hold said support together.

11. Package means as set forth in claim 10 in which, said first and second fastening tabs are each defined by corresponding first and second substantially U-shaped cut means, each of said U-shaped cut means having a base portion arranged inwardly of and substantially parallel to its associated end edge means and each of said U- shaped cut means having a pair of leg portions arranged so that the terminal outer ends of each pair of leg portions terminate on an associated end edge means of a body section, and upon folding a flap means of one of said first and second body sections in one direction outwardly of said Web means to define part of a flange means the adjoining fastening tab extends coplanar therewith in a direction opposite said one direction and substantially coplanar with the flap means extending from the other of said body sections to provide added rigidity therefor.

12. Package means as set forth in claim 10 in which, said first and second fastening tabs are each defined by substantially U-shaped cut means in an associated planar body section, said first and second slit means are each substantially U-shaped cut means, each of said U-shaped cut means having a base portion arranged inwardly of and substantially parallel to its associated end edge means and having a pair of leg portions arranged so that the terminal ends of each pair of leg portions terminate on an associated end edge means, and upon folding each flap means extending from one of said body sections in one direction outwardly of said web means to define part of a flange means an adjoining area of each flap means bounded by an associated U-shaped cut means extends.

coplanar therewith in a direction opposite said one direction and lies against an associated flap means extending from the other of said body sections to provide added rigidity therefor.

13. Package means as set forth in claim 8 in which said support further comprises extension means hingedly fastened to designated flange means said extension means being adapted to be positioned substantially transverse to and inwardly of its associated flange means to provide identification means for said cloth material supported by said support.

14. An I-beam shaped support for cloth material comprising, a main body defining central web means for said support, integral top and bottom flange means foldably fastened to said central Web means and extending substantially perpendicular to said web means, score means defining each and edge means of said central web means enabling easy folding of an adjoining flange means thereabout, extension means extending from said flange means, and hinge means defining terminal edge means of said flange means with said extension means extending outwardly thereof, said extension means being adapted to be folded about said hinge means and substantially transverse to and inwardly of its associated flange means to provide identification means for said cloth material which is wrapped around said web means within the confines of said flange means.

15. A support as set forth in claim 14 in which said extension means comprises a plurality of extension means each extending from an associated flange means and said hinge means comprises a corresponding plurality of hinge means each having an associated extension means extending outwardly thereof.

16. A support as set forth in claim 14 in which said hinge means is arranged substantially parallel to said web means so that said extension means is adapted to extend parallel to said web means.

17. A support as set forth in claim 14 in which said hinge means is arranged substantially perpendicular to said Web means so that said extension means is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular to said web means.

18. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be erected to define a resulting support having the general shape of an I-beam, said blank comprising, a main body defining web means for said resulting support, score means adjacent each end, of said blank, cut means cooperating with each of said score means at each end of said blank, said cut and score means defining bottom and top flange means at opposite ends of said blank and said bottom and top flange means being adapted to be folded substantially perpendicular to said web means in said resulting support, extension means extending from said flange means, and hinge means in said blank defining terminal edge means of said flange means with said extension means extending outwardly thereof, said extension means being adapted to be folded about said hinge means and substantially transverse to and inwardly of its associated flange means in said resulting support to provide identification means for product means supported by said resulting support.

19. A blank as set forth in claim 18 in which said extension means comprises a plurality of extension means each extending from an associated flange means and said hinge means comprises a corresponding plurality of hinge means each having an associated extension means extending outwardly thereof.

20. A blank as set forth in claim 18 in which said extension means is of substantially rectangular outline and adapted to have said identification means provided as an integral part of its outer surface means.

21. A blank as set forth in claim 18 in which said hinge means is arranged substantially parallel to an associated score means so that in said resulting support said extension means extends parallel to said web means.

22. A blank as set forth in claim 18 in which said hinge means is arranged substantially perpendicular to an associated score means so that in said resulting support said extension means extends substantially perpendicular to said web means.

23. An I-beam shaped support for cloth material comprising, first and second planar body sections foldably fastened together along one vertical side edge to define substantially double thickness central web means, flap means extending from opposite end edge means of each of said body sections, said flap means extending from associated end edge means of said body sections being arranged substantially in a common plane to define a corresponding flange means for said support which extends substantially perpendicular to said web means, and integral fastening means in each body section arranged adjacent its end edge means and fastening said support together.

24. A support as set forth in claim 23 in which said integral fastening means comprises fastening tab means adjacent end edge means of said first body section and cooperating slit means adjacent end edge means of said second body section, said tab means being fastened in position in said slit means so as to extend substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said means as well as hold said support together.

25. A support as set forth in claim 23 in which said integral fastening means comprises, a first fastening tab provided in said first body section adjoining its top end edge means, first cooperating slit means provided in said second body section adjoining its top end edge means, a secon fastening tab provided in said second body section adjoining its bottom end edge means, and second cooperating slit means provided in said first body section adjacent its bottom end edge means, said first and second fastening tabs being inserted through said first and second slit means respectively while extending substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said web means as well as hold said support together.

26. A support as set forth in claim 23 in which, said integral fastening means comprises, a first fastening tab provided in said first body section adjoining its top end edge means, first cooperating slit means provided in said second body section adjoining its top end edge means, a second fastening tab provided in said second body section adjoining its bottom end edge means, and second cooperating slit means provided in said first body section adjacent its bottom end edge means, said first and second fastening tabs being inserted through said first and second slit means respectively while extending substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said web means as well as hold said support together, said first and second fastening tabs being each defined by corresponding first and second substantially U-shaped cut means, each of said U-shaped cut means having a base portion arranged inwardly of and substantially parallel to its associated end edge means and each of said U- shaped cut means having a pair of leg portions arranged so that the terminal outer ends of each pair of leg portions terminate on an associated end edge means of a body section, and upon folding a flap means of one of said first and second body sections in one direction outwardly of said web means to define part of a flange means the adjoining fastening tab extends coplanar therewith in a direction opposite said one direction and substantially coplanar with the flap means extending from the other of said body sections to provide added rigidity therefor.

27. A support as set forth in claim 25 which, said first and second fastening tabs are each defined by substantially U-shaped cut means in an associated planar body section, said first and second slit means are each substantially U-shaped cut means, each of said U-shaped cut means having a base portion arranged inwardly of and substantially parallel to its associated end edge means and having a pair of leg portions arranged so that the terminal ends of each pair of leg portions terminate on an associated end edge means, and upon folding each flap means extending from one of said. body sections in one direction outwardly of said web means to define part of a flange means an adjoining area of each flap means bounded by an associated U-shaped cut means extends coplanar therewith in a direction opposite said one direction and lies against an associated flap means extending from the other of said body sections to provide added rigidity therefor.

28. A support as set forth in claim 23 further comprising extension means hingedly fastened to designated flange means said extension means being adapted to be positioned substantially transverse to and inwardly of its associated flange means to provide identification means for said cloth material supported by said support.

29. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be erected to define a resulting support having the general shape of an I-beam, said blank comprising, a main body, folding means extending across one dimension of said blank to define first and second body sections, said body sections being adapted to be folded together about said folding means to define substantially double thickness web means for said resulting support, flap means extending from opposite end edge means of each of said body sections, said flap means extending from associated ends of said body sections being adapted to be folded into a common plane in said resulting support to define a corresponding flange means for said resulting support which is arranged substantially perpendicular to said web means, and integral fastening means in each body section arranged adjacent its end edge means and adapted to fasten said resulting support together.

30. A blank as set forth in claim 29 having score means provided therein to coincide with each end edge means of each of said first and second body sections to enable easier folding of each of said flap means to define corresponding flange means in said resulting support.

31. A blank as set forth in claim 29 in which said integral fastening means comprises fastening tab means adjacent end edge means of said first body section and c0- operating slit means adjacent end edge means of said second body section, said tab means being adapted to be fastened in position in said slit means in said resulting support so as to extend substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said web means in said resulting support as well as hold said resulting sup port together.

32. A blank as set forth in claim 29 further comprising extension means extending from designated flap means and hinge means in said blank defining terminal edge means of said designated flap means with said extension means extending outwardly thereof, said extension means being adapted to be folded about said hinge means and substantially transverse to and inwardly of its associated flange means in said resulting support to provide identification means for product means supported by said resulting support.

33. A blank as set forth in claim 29 in which said integral fastening means comprises, a first fastening tab provided in said first body section adjoining its top end edge means, first cooperating slit means provided in said second body section adjoining its top end edge means, a second fastening tab provided in said second body section adjoining its bottom end edge means, and second cooperating slit means provided in said first body section adjacent its bottom end edge means, said first and second fastening tabs being adapted to be inserted through said first and second slit means respectively in said resulting support with each fastening tab being folded substantially coplanar with an associated flange means to help hold said associated flange means substantially perpendicular to said web means in said resulting support as well as hold said resulting support together.

34. A blank as set forth in claim 33 in which, said first and second fastening tabs are each defined by corresponding first and second substantially U-shaped cut means, each of said U-shaped cut means having a base portion arranged inwardly of and substantially parallel to its associated end edge means and each of said U-shaped cut means having a pair of leg portions arranged so that the terminal outer ends of each pair of leg portions terminate on an associated end edge means of a body section, and in said resulting support upon folding a flap means of one of said first and second body sections in one direction outwardly of said web means to define part of a flange means the adjoining fastening tab extends coplanar therewith in a direction opposite said one direction and substantially coplanar with the flap means extending from the other of said body sections to provide added rigidity therefor.

35. A blank as set forth in claim 34 in which said first and second fastening tabs are each defined by substantially U-shaped cut means in an associated planar body section, said first and second slit means are each substantially U- shaped cut means, each of said U-shaped cut means having a base portion arranged inwardly of and substantially parallel to its associated end edge means and each of said U-shaped cut means having a pair of leg portions arranged so that the terminal ends of each pair of leg portions terminate on an associated end edge means, and in said resulting support upon folding a given flap means extending from one of said body sections in one direction outwardly of said web means to define part of a flange means an adjoining area bounded by an associated U- shaped cut means extends coplanar with said given flap means in a direction opposite said one direction and lies against a flap means extending from the other of said body sections to provide added rigidity therefor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 673,716 5/1901 Lueck 206-50 1,628,795 5/1923 May 20651 3,272,328 9/ 1966 Kryzyzanowski 22942 JAMES B. MARBERT, Primary Examiner 

